Renewing our Libraries

Michael Dewe had extensive experience at senior level in public libraries and latterly as a University Lecturer in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Wales. As well as a long-standing commitment to writing and lecturing about library buildings, he also acted as a consultant both in the UK and abroad. Actively involved with the IFLA Section on Library Buildings and Equipment for a number of years, he was also a member of the judging panel for the Public Library Building Awards scheme from 1995 to 2003.

• Introduction; 1: Renewing our Libraries – Forces for Change; 1: Heritage Library Buildings – Enhancing the Past for the Present; 2: Leek Library, Staffordshire: Listed, Linked and Limited – Opening up Service and Perception in a Victorian Building; 3: Long Eaton Library, Derbyshire: An Art Nouveau Gem Reborn; 4: Torquay Library, Torbay: Refurbishing an Art Deco Style Building; 2: New Styles of Provision – Widening the Library Role; 5: Winchester Discovery Centre, Hampshire: Discovery Centre and More; 6: National Library of Wales: The Visitor Experience Project; 3: Remaking University Libraries – Creating Modern Learning and Research Environments; 7: Kenrick Library, Birmingham City University: From Dismal to a Dynamic Refurbishment; 8: Glasgow University Library: From Book Warehouse to Lighthouse for Study; 9: Hartley Library, University of Southampton: From Accretion to Integration, 2002–2007; 4: Extending the Library — Modernizing and Adding Space; 10: Dublin City Library and Archive: From Concept to Reality; 11: The London Library: Changing to Stay the Same but Expansion and Renewal; 12: Malmö City Library, Sweden: Beauty vs. Efficiency – Planning for User and Staff Needs; 13: Waterford Central Library: A Space For All; 5: Library Refurbishment Programmes – Forging Templates for Building Renewal; 14: Barnsley Central Library: There and Back – Remaking Libraries; 15: Coalville, Birstall and Enderby Libraries, Leicestershire: Case Studies in Renewal; 16: North Yorkshire Libraries: Creating a New Library Brand; 17: Lowestoft, Stowmarket, Lakenheath and Felixstowe Libraries, Suffolk: Refurbishments that are Prize-winners; 6: (1) Snapshots: Some Refurbishment Case Studies in Brief; 18: Snapshots: Some Refurbishment Case Studies in Brief 1; 19: Case Studies Reviewed

'Today’s library users expect modern services, provided from well designed and welcoming spaces. This collection of well-chosen, detailed case studies shows librarians and architects how yesterday’s buildings can be transformed into the libraries of the future.' Ian Snowley, British Library, UK '... this is a book that anyone setting out on a library refurbishment project should read.' The Irish Library, 2010 '...everyone involved with modernising and raising the profile of any library must read Renewing our Libraries - and this includes architects, financial consultants and facilities managers, as well as library professionals.' Australian Library Journal, November 2009 '... the author has produced timely and engaging work on renewing and modernising libraries of all types. He brings a wide knowledge and experience to the subject and writes lucidly and with commendable lack of jargon. The well chosen case studies of library buildings whilst mostly British, illuminate and expand one's professional knowledge of this area and should enhance most librarians' understanding and competence to deal with this growing sector of professional practice.' New Library World, 2011